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Getting Noticed by Agencies
Thread poster: Angela Dickson (X)
Angela Dickson (X)
Angela Dickson (X)  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 02:41
French to English
+ ...
Dec 8, 2004

So, I'm at that stage where I've amassed a bit of experience (mostly pro bono), have increased my confidence somewhat, and am trying to sell my services properly. I need some advice as to the best way to get noticed by agencies.

So, your opinions please as to the best way to approach busy project managers: a phone call? the standard form on their website? an e-mailed CV with a properly tailored covering e-mail? All three?

I know eventually an agency will look past my ... See more
So, I'm at that stage where I've amassed a bit of experience (mostly pro bono), have increased my confidence somewhat, and am trying to sell my services properly. I need some advice as to the best way to get noticed by agencies.

So, your opinions please as to the best way to approach busy project managers: a phone call? the standard form on their website? an e-mailed CV with a properly tailored covering e-mail? All three?

I know eventually an agency will look past my relative inexperience and want to use me, but what's the best way of ensuring this happens? ▲ Collapse
 
Catherine Reay
Catherine Reay  Identity Verified
Spain
Local time: 03:41
Member (2004)
Spanish to English
+ ...
email/websites Dec 8, 2004

Hello,

When I was setting myself up as a freelancer here in Spain I sent my cv by email to Spanish agencies I had found on the internet. I suppose that there must be translation agency associations in the UK (I'd give you addresses if I had them for the UK!) that publish member lists - or, of course, search the proz site!

I did a bit of research on the websites of each agency to see if they had a specific form to fill in (if they put this on their website it is the bes... See more
Hello,

When I was setting myself up as a freelancer here in Spain I sent my cv by email to Spanish agencies I had found on the internet. I suppose that there must be translation agency associations in the UK (I'd give you addresses if I had them for the UK!) that publish member lists - or, of course, search the proz site!

I did a bit of research on the websites of each agency to see if they had a specific form to fill in (if they put this on their website it is the best way to approach them), and if they didn't I sent them an email with my cv attached. Every six months I send another, updated, email to those I have not heard from. This has worked for me.

Don't expect immediate 100% response, give yourself approximately a year before you notice a regular workload, but don't give up. And just one more suggestion, there is no need to "highlight" your level of (in)experience. Be positive (without stretching the truth obviously!), agencies are put off if you express doubts in your ability!!
Good luck.
Katy ▲ Collapse
 
Laura Gentili
Laura Gentili  Identity Verified
Italy
Local time: 03:41
Member (2003)
English to Italian
+ ...
My suggestion Dec 8, 2004

First of all, it's important to send a CV which looks professional.
Emphasize the fact that you are goint to sit IoL examination next January.
Describe in detail the medical subjects you have worked at/feel confident with.
Laura

[Edited at 2004-12-09 11:50]
 
PTSGI
PTSGI  Identity Verified
Taiwan
Local time: 09:41
Member (2002)
Chinese to Spanish
+ ...
I agree with Laura's point of view Dec 9, 2004

Laura Gentili wrote:

First of all, you should improve your CV.

You state that you translated more than 17,000 words professionally. I would omit this, since 17,000 words is the word count of one medium-size document.

Omit all details about teaching. There is no connection between teaching experience/abilities and translation. It just looks naif.

Omit statements like "I maintain my language skills by reading as much as possible." Again, this sounds naif.

Emphasize the fact that you are goint to sit IoL examination next January.


Describe in detail the medical subjects you have worked at/feel confident with.

Laura

[Edited at 2004-12-08 17:20]
 
Angela Dickson (X)
Angela Dickson (X)  Identity Verified
United Kingdom
Local time: 02:41
French to English
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER
Fair points Dec 9, 2004

They are good points about my CV, and I have thought about it and made the changes. Thank you.

Angela

[Edited at 2004-12-09 16:34]
 


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Getting Noticed by Agencies







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